Method and process to generate real time input/output in a voice XML run-time simulation environment

Abstract

A method and system for testing voice applications, such as VoiceXML applications, is provided. The system provides a run-time simulation environment for voice applications that simulates and automates user interaction. A user simulation script is provided in a customized mark-up language. The voice application is processed to derive a nominal output of the voice application. The user simulation script is processed to generate a simulated output for the voice application corresponding to the nominal output. The user simulation script is also processed to generate a simulated input for the voice application corresponding to a pre-determined user input to the voice application. The simulated inputs and outputs are executed in conjunction with the voice application in real-time to test the application. Execution time rates for text based input and output are calculated based on empirical speaking rates of human users.

1. A method for simulating a run-time user interaction with a voice application, said method comprising the steps of:
 loading a user simulation script programmed to specify simulated voice interactions with the voice application; 
 deriving from the voice application a nominal output, the nominal output including a text stream; 
 processing the user simulation script to generate a simulated output for the voice application corresponding to the nominal output; 
 calculating an execution time for the simulated output, the execution time being equal to a length of the text stream divided by an empirical speaking rate of a user; and 
 executing the simulated output at its calculated execution time in conjunction with the voice application. 
 
   
   
     2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 processing the user simulation script to generate a simulated input for the voice application, the simulated input including a text equivalent of a pre-determined user input; 
 calculating an execution time for the simulated input, said execution time being equal to a length of the text equivalent of the pre-determined user input divided by the empirical speaking rate of a user; and 
 executing the simulated input at its calculated execution time in conjunction with the voice application. 
 
   
   
     3. A machine readable storage having stored thereon a computer program for simulating a run-time user interaction with a voice application, said computer program comprising a routine set of instructions which when executed by a machine cause the machine to perform the steps of:
 loading a user simulation script programmed to specify simulated voice interactions with the voice application; 
 deriving from the voice application a nominal output, the nominal output including a text stream; 
 processing the user simulation script to generate a simulated output for the voice application corresponding to the nominal output; 
 calculating an execution time for the simulated output, the execution time being equal to a length of the text stream divided by an empirical speaking rate of a user; and 
 executing the simulated output at its calculated execution time in conjunction with the voice application. 
 
   
   
     4. The machine readable storage of  claim 3 , further causing said machine to perform the steps of:
 processing the user simulation script to generate a simulated input for the voice application, the simulated input including a text equivalent of a pre-determined user input; 
 calculating an execution time for the simulated input, said execution time being equal to a length of the text equivalent of the pre-determined user input divided by the empirical speaking rate of a user; and 
 executing the simulated input at its calculated execution time in conjunction with the voice application. 
 
   
   
     5. A simulation tool for simulating a run-time user interaction with a voice application running on an application server, said tool being configured to load a user simulation script programmed to specify simulated voice interactions with the voice application, and to:
 (i) first process the voice application to derive a nominal output of the voice application, the nominal output including a text stream; 
 (ii) second process the user simulation script to generate a simulated output for the voice application corresponding to the nominal output; 
 (iii) calculate an execution time for the simulated output, said execution time being equal to a length of the text stream divided by an empirical speaking rate of a user; and 
 (iv) execute the simulated output at its calculated execution time in conjunction with the voice application. 
 
   
   
     6. The simulation tool of  claim 5 , wherein the tool is further configured to:
 (i) process the user simulation script to generate a simulated input for the voice application, the simulated input including a text equivalent of a pre-determined user input; 
 (ii) calculate an execution time for the simulated input, said execution time being equal to a length of the text equivalent of the pre-determined user input divided by the empirical speaking rate of a user; and 
 (iii) execute the simulated input at its calculated execution time in conjunction with the voice application.